Government Reaffirms Robust Conflict-of-Interest Safeguards under RDI Fund; Merit-Based Evaluation Anchors Funding Decisions

The Government, through the Ministry of Science & Technology, reaffirmed that the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund is governed by a robust institutional framework that emphasizes transparency, merit‑based evaluation and strict conflict‑of‑interest (COI) safeguards. Senior officials from the Department of Science and Technology, Technology Development Board (TDB) and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) explained that project approvals are made by an Investment Committee of independent external experts, with decisions requiring a super‑majority and members recusing themselves where a conflict exists. The COI guidelines mandate full disclosure of interests and prohibit members from participating in proposals where they have a stake. The Fund provides soft‑loan assistance linked to specific technology projects, mobilising private investment while maintaining financial discipline.